Clutch.



NIL- 660,266.

Patented Oct. 23, I900.

B. 6-. BALL &. w. H. CORBETT.

C L U T C H (Application filed Oct. 2, 189 9.

- (No Model.)

b 1 u w M 6Q lib U I Ill mm 6 m i E 6 6 w g m l 'NITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BERT 0. BALL, OF PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY, AND WILLIAM HARRISON OORBETT, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

CLUTCH.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters" Patent No. 660.266. dated October 23, 1900. Application filed October 2, 1899. Serial No- 732,309. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, BERT C. BALL, residing at Plainfield, in the county of Somerset and State of New Jersey, and WILLIAM HARRISON CORBETT, residing at New York, (Brooklyn,) in the county of Kings and State of New York, citizens of the United States, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Clutches; and we do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to friction-clutches,- and it consists in certain improvements in the construction thereof, as will be hereinafter fully described, and pointed out in the claims.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings as follows:

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of the clutch mechanism with hand-wheel removed. Fig. 2 shows a section on the line 2 2 in Fig. 1;

The clutch, as shown, is designed to be at.- tached to some revolving body by means of a hollow sleeve A, which we term the driving element. Journaled on this sleeve is a pulley B, which we term the driven element. The functions of these parts may be reversed; but in the construction shown the usual use of the device would give them the functions described. The sleeve A is provided with a shoulder a at its inner end, through which extend the perforations CL, by means of which the sleeve may be bolted to a revolving body, such as the fly-wheel of a gas-engine. The shoulder a forms a frictionshoe, against which the end I) of the hub 19 of the pulley B abuts, and the end b of said hub is arranged to abut against a plate 0, which forms the second shoe of the clutch. The plate 0 extends over the end of the sleeve or driven element Aand is provided at its center with a hub c, on the inner end of which are the ears 0, two at each side, and between these are pivoted the clutch-levers D by means of the pins cl. A shaft E extends through the hub c and is provided at its inner end with a head 6, in which are arranged the rollers 6. (Shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2.)

The rollers are journaled on the pins e extending through said head.

The inside surfaces of the levers D are in the form of cams d, so shaped as to separate the levers D when the head 6 is forced into the device, shown in Fig. 2. When the head e is drawn outwardly, the shape of the cams is such as to allow the levers D to approach each other. The contacting portion of the head 8 is preferably short relatively to the lever in order that it may follow closely the cam-surfaces in its movement. A spring I is tensioned to press inwardly the said levers against the rollers e. The levers D'form bell-crank levers, one arm of which extends along the camsurfaces d, the other, 01 extending ou twardly radially from the pivot-pin d. Adjusting screw-studs H are arranged in the inward projections a on the outer end of the sleeve A and are arranged to abut against the arms d of the levers D. J am-nuts h are arranged on the outer ends of these studs and extend into perforations c in the plate 0, and thus lock'the plate 0 rotatively with the driven element A. The outer end of the shaft E is reduced, forming a shoulder e and on this reduced part is arranged or journaled a handwheel F, between which and the shoulder a and the hub c of the plate 0 is placed a washer f. A washer f is arranged on the outer end of the shaft E, and a nut G secures the handwheelon the shaft.

The operation of the device is as follows: Starting with the position in which the clutch is shown in Fig. 2, if it is desired to throw the clutch out of action the hand-wheel F is grasped (the wheel being journaled on the shaft E this can readily be done) and pulled outwardly. This carries the head 6 along between the cam-surfaces d, and as these surfaces gradually recede from the axes of the clutch this allows the levers Dto move in wardly. This relieves the strain on the studs H, and consequently the pressure on the shoes formed on the plate 0 and the sleeve A. By an opposite movement or thrust of the hand-wheel the head e is forced inward, separating the levers D and forcing the outer arm of the bell-crank lever toward the right against the studs H. This of course creates pressure toward the right on the studs H, and consequently on the shoes ct, and as the bellcrank levers are pivoted on the hub of the plate C a counter-pressure is created on the shoe of the plate (l, thus forming a very powerful clutch in a very small space. The camsurfaces cl are preferably curved so as to retain the head 6 in the inward or outward position after it has reached said position. This would naturally be so as to the outer position, as the curve of the cam-surface extends outwardly from the center toward this position. Just at the inner end the cam-surface assumes a direction when the head is pushed to its inner position either parallel to the axis of the clutch or a direction slightly outwardly from the axis just at this point.

It has been common heretofore to design clutches of various constructions wherein the actuating-levers are operated by a setting mechanism comprising a cam-surface so arranged as to operate upon the actuating-levers. In these devices the length of the arm of the lever of course is not changed during the movement of the setting mechanism. With our device as the setting mechanism passes along the lever D the length of the arm of the lever is increased, so that at the end of the movement a maximum length of arm is obtained, and consequently a maximum leverage. In this way the initial movement, which simply takes up the clearance between the parts, can be very rapid; but as the pressure begins to be exerted the additional length of arm of course gives to the clutch a greatdeal more power than in those devices where the length of the arm remains unchanged. This result can be obtained in a measure of course by properly shaping the cam-surfaces where they are used on the setting mechanism; but with these the frictional resistance to the setting movement increases as the cl utch pressure is increased, While with our device the frictional resistance is not materially increased, if any. Another advantage which is incident to the construction wherein the cam-surfaces are placed on the levers arises from the shortening of the mechanism. With our device the cam and setting mechanism are approximately only of the length of the cam, whereas where these parts are reversed the completed mechanism must be of greater length. Not only this, but the setting mechanism may be actuated from the pivoted end of the levers, so that the general construction of the mechanism can be more conveniently aranged than where the setting mechanism is operated from the side toward the free end of the levers.

The outer end of the sleeve A has the oblong-opening a therein, and this forms at each side of the opening the projections a heretofore referred to.. The clutch mechanism, including the ears 0' and bell-crank levers, forms an oblong mass which can be readily inserted through the opening a when turned, so that the longer dimensions of the opening and clutch mechanism are brought into register. After the insertion is accomplished the clutch mechanism is given a quarter-turn, and this brings the arm (I of the bell-crank levers opposite the projections in which are to be arranged the studs H. The studs H can then be inserted and adjusted against said arm and the jam-nuts 7t put in place. This assembles the clutch.

What we claim as new is- 1. In a friction-clutch, the combination of the driving and driven elements; a friction device for locking said elements together; an actuating cam-lever having its cam'surfacc disposed to be actuated by a setting mech-' anism having movement in an axial direction; and a setting mechanism arranged to be moved in an axial direction in contact with said cam-surface.

2. In a friction-clutch, the combination of the driving and driven elements; a friction device for locking said elements together; a bell-crank lever having an axially and a ra' dially extending arm, said axially-extending arm being provided with a cam-surface disposed to be acted upon by a setting mechanism having movement in an axial direction; connecting mechanism arranged to actuate the clutch device and to be actuated by the radial arm of said lever; and a setting mechanism arranged to be moved in an axial direction and to operate upon said cam-surface to move said bell-crank lever by said move ment.

3. In a friction-clutch, the combination of the driving and driven elements; a friction device for locking said elements together; a bell-crank lever having an axially and a radially extending arm, said axially-extending arm being provided with a cam-surface disposed to be acted upon by a setting mechan ism having movement in an axial direction; connecting mechanism arranged to actuate the clutch device and to be actuated by the radial arm of said lever; and a setting mechanism arranged to be moved in an axial direction and provided with a roller disposed in the path of said canrsurface.

4. Ina friction-clutch, the combination of the driving and driven elements; a friction device for locking said elements together; actuating cam-levers opposingly placed at opposite sides of the axis of said clutch having their cam-surfaces disposed to be actuated by a setting mechanism having movement in an axial direction; and a setting mechanism arranged to be moved in an axial direction, in contact with said canrsurfaces.

5. In a friction-clutch, the combination of the driving and driven elements; a friction device for locking said elements together; bell-crank levers placed at opposite sides of the axis of said clutch and having radiallyextending arms and axially-extending arms respectively, said axially-extending arms being provided with cam-surfaces disposed to be-acted upon by a setting mechanism having movement in an axial direction; connecting mechanism arranged to actuate the clutch device, and to be actuated by the radial arm of said lever; and a setting mechanism arranged to be moved in an axial direction and to operate upon said cam-surfaces to move said bell-crank lever by said movement.

6. In a friction-clutch the combination of the driving and driven elements; the bellcrank levers, D D, having the radial arms, 61 61 and the axially-extending arms having the cam-surfaces, cl d; a connecting mechanism actuated by the radial arms of said bell-crank levers for actuating said clutch device; the head, e, having a short contacting portion relatively to the axially-extending arm and arranged to move axially between said axial arms, and to actuate by said movement said bell-crank levers.

7. In a friction-clutch, the combination of the driving and driven elements; the bellcrank levers, D D, having the radial arms, 61 01 and the axially-extending arms having the cam-surfaces, d d; a connecting mechanism actuated by the radial arms of said bell-crank levers tor actuating said clutch device; the head, 6, having a short contacting portion relatively to the axially-extending arm and arranged to move axially between said axial arms, and to actuate by said movement said bell-crank levers; and springs for pressing said bell-crank levers against said head.

8. In a friction-clutch the combination of the driving and driven elements; the bellcrank levers, D D, having the radial arms, 61 (Z and the axially-extending arms having the cam-surfaces, d d; a connecting mechanism actuated by the radial arms of said bell-crank levers for actuating said clutch device; the head, 6, arranged to move axially between said axial arms,'and to actuate by said movement said bell-crank levers,

said head being provided with the rollers, e,

for the purposes described.

9. In a friction-clutch, the combination of one element having a central opening therein; a second element journaled with the axis of the first element as a center; afriction device for locking said elements together, said friction device comprising shoes arranged to be moved to and from the locking position by movement in an axial direction; and the actuating mechanism of said friction device arranged within the central opening of the element having said opening.

10. In a friction-clutch, the combination of one element having the central opening therein; a second element of the clutch beingjournaled with the axis of the firstelement as a center; a clutch device for locking said elements together; cam-levers arranged within the central opening of the element having said opening, said levers being provided with cam-surfaces arranged to be operated upon by a setting mechanism moved in an axial direction; connecting mechanism actuated by said levers for setting said clutch mechanism; and asetting mechanism arranged to be moved in an axial direction,- in contact with said cam surfaces.

11. In a friction-clutch, the combination of one element having the central opening there'- in; a second element of the clutch being journaled. with the axis of the first element as a center; a clutch device for locking said elements together; a bell-crank lever arranged in the opening of the element having said opening, said bell-crank lever being provided with a radial arm and an axial arm, said axial arm having a cam-surface arranged to be operated upon by a setting mechanism moved in an axial direction; aconnecting mechanism arranged to be actuated by said lever and to set when actuated the clutch device; and a setting mechanism arranged to be moved in an axial direction and to operate upon said cam-surfaces to move said bell-crank lever by said movement.

a 12. In afriction-clutch, the combination of one element having the central opening therein; a second element of the clutch being journaled with the axis of the first element as a center; a clutch device for locking said elements together, said clutch device comprising friction-shoes arranged to be moved toward and from looking position by movement in an axial direction; levers arranged within the central opening; connecting mechanism between said levers and said clutch device; and means for actuating said levers by a movement in an axial direction.

13. In a friction-clutch, the combination of one element having the central opening therein; a second element of the clutch being j ournaled with the axis of the first element as a center; a clutch device for locking said elements together, said clutch device comprising friction-shoes arranged to be moved toward and from locking position by movement in axial direction; a bell-crank lever arranged within the opening of the element having said opening, said lever being provided with a radial arm and an axial arm; connecting mechanism actuated by the radial arm and actuating by its movement the clutch device; and means operating upon the axial arm of the lever for actuating said lever.

14. In a friction-clutch, the combination of the driving element, A, having the central opening therein; the driven element, B, journaled on the driving element the shoe-plate, 0, arranged to have axial movement on the driving element; the adj listing-studs, H, arranged on the driving element; bell-crank levers, D, pivoted on the hub of the shoe-plate, O; the operating-head, e; shaft, E, for operating said head, and extending through the hub of the shoe-plate, O; and means for operating the shaft E.

15. In a friction-clutch, the combination of the hollow carrier forming an element of the clutch-and having a central opening therein, which at one point is reduced in size and made oblong in form; aclutch mechanism forming an oblong mass in cross-section, said mass being larger in its greater dimension in crosssection than the smaller dimension of the oblong opening in the carrier, and said mass also being of such size and shape as to enter -ranged on the hub of said shoe-plate, forming a mass oblong in cross-section adapted to enter the opening, a when brought into register therewith; said mass being of a size in its larger dimension to prevent its removal when turned outof register with said openin 17. In a friction-clutch, the combination with the element, A, having the oblong opening, a forming the segmental lugs or projection, a the adjusting-studs, I-I, arranged in said projection; a friction shoe plate, C, arranged over the end of said driving element, and having the perforation, 0 therein; and jam-nuts on the studs, H, arranged in said perforations for locking said shoe-plate with said element A.

18. In a friction clutch, the combination with the element, A, having the central opening therein; having the projections a extending into said opening and forming the oblong opening (1 said element A being provided with a shoe-shoulder, a; the element, B, journaled on said element A; the shoe-plate, 0, arranged to operate upon the end of said element B and having a head, 0, thereon; ears, 0, on said head perforation, c therethrough; the bell-crank levers, D D, pivoted to the ears, 0, said bell-crank levers being provided with the cam-surfaces, cl, and the radial arm, (1 springs, I, for pressing said bell-crank levers inwardly; adjusting-studs, H, arranged in the projection, a and having the jamnu ts, h, thereon, arranged in the perforation, 0 the head, 6, arranged between the bellcrank levers, D D, and having the rollers, c, thereon; the shaft, E, extending from said head; and a hand-lever, F, arranged on said shaft.

In testimony whereof we afiix our signatures in presence of two witnesses.

BERT 0. BALL. WM. HARRISON CORBETT.

Witnesses:

O. W. RYDER, Jr., MAMIE WENTZ. 

